Names of Saturday's drowning victims released

The Humboldt County Coroner's Office released today the names of the parents who died Saturday in a drowning incident at Big Lagoon.

Eureka residents Mary Elena Scott, 57, and her husband Howard Kuljian, 54, died after being swept into the ocean at Big Lagoon near Orick, according to the coroner's office.

A press release from the coroner's office states preliminary reports indicate the family of four and their dog were walking along the beach when the family dog entered the water. In an effort to recover the dog, 16-year-old Arcata High student Gregory Kuljian entered the water. The mother and father then also entered the water after him. All were unable to make it back to shore.

The couple's daughter reportedly was the one who called 911, according to the U.S. Coast Guard.

U.S. Coast Guard spokesman Bernie Garrigan said Gregory Kuljian is still missing. He said the search was officially suspended at 6:45 p.m. Saturday due to the fog and cold water temperatures. He said the U.S. Coast Guard is reminding people to always keep an eye on the water.

"The way that beach is with the way the swell breaks is a recipe for disaster," Garrigan said.